What's That Rock?Sunstone
A feldspar that sparkles with tiny metallic flakes, giving an orange-gold glitter inside the stone.
How to identify Sunstone
- Orange stone with small glittering flakes (aventurescence)
- Splits along two flat directions
- Scratches glass lightly
Often confused with
- Goldstoneman-made glass with copper flecks
- Orange aventurine
Real or fake?
- Goldstone has an even, glitter-like pattern and a very uniform color; natural sunstone is uneven
Is Sunstone valuable?
Inexpensive to moderate; clear Oregon stones with strong sparkle cost more.
Typical retail prices
Tumbled stone$3–8each
Cut gemstone$5–100per carat
Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.
What changes the price
- Sparkle and color: strong, even orange-gold glitter (aventurescence) costs more
- Oregon sunstone: clear, colored, untreated Oregon stones command premiums; some copper-treated stones from elsewhere exist
- Look-alikes: glass 'goldstone' is sold as sunstone
- Cut: well-cut stones cost more than tumbles
Uses
- Beads, cabochons, faceted gems
Care
Can cleave if struck.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026